SB18 Alabama 2018 Session

Under existing law, whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of United States Senator less than four months but more than 60 days before a general election, the vacancy is filled at that election. If the vacancy occurs more than four months or less than 60 days before a general election, the Governor is required to call a special election. Under existing law, whenever a vacancy occurs, the Governor is authorized to make a temporary appointment to serve until a successor is elected and qualified

This bill would require the Governor to appoint a person to a vacancy in the office of United States Senator and issue a writ of election to fill the office for the remainder of the term at the next general election occurring more than one year after the vacancy occurs. The bill would also provide that if the vacancy occurs within 76 days of the general election immediately before the end of the term of the office, the election would proceed and if the incumbent received the most votes, there would be a vacancy in the office, to be filled by appointment of the Governor

To amend Section 36-9-7 of, and to repeal Section 36-9-8 of, the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to vacancies in the office of United States Senator; to provide for filling vacancies by appointment of the Governor until the next general election.